Consider the following statements : I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion. II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Statement I is correct: Article 163(1) of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that the Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, 'except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.' This clearly outlines the Governor's discretionary powers. Statement II is incorrect: A bill passed by a State Legislature can only be reserved for the consideration of the President by the Governor of the State (under Article 200). The President does not have the power to *suo motu* reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature without it being forwarded by the Governor.